How to Gently Detangle a Synthetic & Human Hair Wig

If your wig is looking a little dishevelled and tangled, it's time for some much-needed TLC – but detangling your wig correctly is super important to make sure you don’t cause snapping or shedding.

Wigs will naturally get a bit tangled if you wear them regularly, just as our natural hair does. But they’ll also get a little knotted if you haven’t used or brushed them in a while or you haven’t stored them properly (that’s what our Hanger & Bag Combo is for!).

So long as your wig isn’t a massive ball of knots, you’ll be able to detangle it easily and restore it to its smooth and silky state in no time.

To help you do just that, we’ve pulled together our steps on how to detangle a synthetic and human hair wig at home.

We hate to say it, but the easiest way to detangle a wig is to not let it get tangled in the first place. Prevention is key!

The more you wear your wig, the more likely it is to get a few knots and snags – which is completely normal. Plus, if you’re styling it by tying it up, braiding it, or playing around with other wig styling techniques, it’s only natural that the hair fibres may get a bit tangled.

Brushing the hair at the end of each day will help prevent major tangles and make it easier to detangle later on.

The brush you use is important, as you want the bristles not to catch on the hair. Our Deluxe Hair Extensions Brush is fab for gently combing out any knots!

Just be sure to start at the bottom and gently work your way up rather than yanking away from the top. Splitting the hair into sections will also make the process easier.

If you’ve already let your synthetic wig get in a bit of a messy state and it’s past the simple brushing-out stage, don’t panic. There are still ways to detangle it without causing any damage.

First, you’ll want to gather all your hair care tools and supplies, including:

First things first, giving your wig a good wash and conditioning is key. Doing so softens the synthetic hair fibres, making it a breeze to brush through.

Soak your wig in lukewarm water and gently work in a bit of RiRi Hair Extensions Shampoo. Using your fingers, spread it evenly through the wig.

After a thorough rinse, slather on some RiRi Hair Extension Conditioner from root to tip. Remember, unlike your own hair, wigs need that all-over conditioning love since they don't get natural oils from your scalp.

Let the conditioner sit for a few minutes to really soften those fibres, then rinse out. This step is a game-changer, making your wig softer and detangling a whole lot easier, setting you up for a smooth brushing session.

Gently press out the water with a microfiber towel (don't rub the hair; it'll just tangle it more!) and let the fibres air dry completely before you start detangling.

After your wig has dried, let's get it ready for a gentle detangle. Pop it onto a wig stand or a mannequin head – trust us, it's a game-changer for easing out those knots.

Next, divide it into sections with clips or ties to set yourself up for a much smoother detangling session. Focusing on one small area at a time not only prevents damage to the fibres but also ensures every single knot is dealt with.

Now, grab your hair brush, and start at the very ends of your wig and gently brush out any tangles before moving up the wig in small sections.

Working from the bottom up allows you to detangle each knot and tangle with minimal stress on the fibres, preventing unnecessary shedding or damage. You can also use a wide toothcomb to deal with more serious knots.

Check out our TikTok video tutorial below on how to brush your synthetic hair. 

The process for detangling a human hair wig is very similar to the one for synthetic wigs, but there are some extra products and steps you can take to keep your wig slaying.

To prepare your human hair wig for detangling, let's start with a gentle soak in lukewarm water. Next, take a bit of RiRi Hair Extensions Shampoo and massage it gently through your wig.

After a thorough rinse, massage some RiRi Hair Extensions Conditioner from roots to ends. Give it a few minutes to work its magic for that deep conditioning your wig craves. Rinse out, and voilà! Your wig will feel utterly rejuvenated and silky smooth.

If your wig needs a bit of extra TLC, our Hair Extensions Boost provides a deep conditioning treatment that can restore the natural, healthy shine of real hair fibres.

Sectioning your human hair wig is the first step towards an easier detangling process. Not only does it allow you to work through those knots methodically, but it also keeps your wig in tip-top shape.

Gently start detangling your human hair wig from the tips, working upwards in small sections with a good-quality hair brush.

Hold the section of hair firmly at the root to minimise pulling on the cap. Proceed slowly, ensuring each section is smooth before moving higher.

If you find the knots to be a little temperamental, you can use your fingers to gently separate them before brushing through. This will help avoid any unnecessary tugging and pulling on the hair.

Argan oil is also a good little trick to use when detangling your wig. The oil helps to provide a smooth and slippery surface, making it easier to comb through without causing any damage.

Aside from regularly brushing your wig, making sure to properly store it can also help prevent tangles.

If you just throw your wig in a box under your bed or leave it splayed on your vanity, you’re asking for trouble. Instead, keep it neatly zipped up in a storage bag and hung up with a hanger.

Our Hair Extensions Hanger & Bag Combo is a fantastic choice. This combo is super handy, especially if you're after that extra layer of protection.

With the hanger, your wig stays secure and manageable, free from tangles. Plus, the bag keeps it away from dust and dirt, keeping your wig looking fresh and extending its life. 

If you find yourself having to constantly de-mat your wig, there could be a few reasons why it's so prone to tangling…

• The quality of the wig is low. Cheaper wigs are often made with lower-grade hair, which can easily tangle.

• You're not storing it properly. As mentioned before, leaving your wig out in the open can cause tangles.

• You're not using the right products. Using harsh chemicals or heat styling without proper protection can damage the hair and lead to tangling.

• Repetitive or improper styling. Constantly brushing or pulling on the wig can cause snags and tangles.

• You’re not letting the wig fully dry. After washing, make sure to let your wig air dry completely before styling, which will help avoid the dreaded matting in the back.

Really, it all comes down to how well you take care of the hair, regardless of whether it’s synthetic or human hair. Treat your wig as if it’s your own hair, and you’ll have less problems with tangling.

Create yourself a bit of a wig-care routine to follow, and you’ll be able to enjoy your wig for much longer. Remember to use gentle products, avoid harsh styling methods, and always let your wig dry completely before wearing or storing it.

And don’t forget to grab our haircare products and accessories to help keep your wig looking its best! From detangling brushes to specialised shampoo and conditioner, we have everything you need to keep your wig in top shape.

Shop our collection today!